Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 05:33 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
In my detailed analysis, explore variances between Glenfarclas 12 and Macallan 12, and determine which Single Malt suits your preference better!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Glenfarclas vs Macallan: Comparison
Glenfarclas 12: Sherry, honey, and toasted barley on the nose with a palate of banana bread and caramel. Finishes with lemon and oak spice. Best enjoyed with a drop of water.
Macallan 12 Double Cask: Sweet sherry and dried fruit aromas, with a palate of baking spice and chocolate. The finish is long, featuring oak and dried fruit. Add water for smoothness.
Verdict: Glenfarclas 12 delivers a traditional, sherry-kissed whisky experience with a hint of sweetness and spice, making it a solid choice for those who appreciate a classic profile.Macallan 12 Double Cask offers a richer, oak-forward journey with layers of chocolate and dried fruit, ideal for enthusiasts looking to explore the depth of sherry and oak maturation.
Make your choice based on your prefered tasting notes, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Choices Among 12-Year Scotch
Glenfarclas 12: A Classic Sherry-Kissed Experience
- Nose: Sherry, honey, toasted barley
- Palate: Banana bread, melted butter, vanilla, caramel, spice
- Finish: Lemon, oak spice, citrus zest
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Aberlour 12
Aromatic Introduction: The Glenfarclas 12 welcomes you with a prominent sherry nose, complemented by hints of honey, toasted barley, and a subtle touch of alcohol.
Silky and Dense: On the palate, the whisky boasts a dense and silky texture, delivering a delightful mouthfeel.
A Symphony of Flavors: The taste evokes notes of banana bread, melted butter, vanilla, and caramel, accompanied by a gentle oak spice with a subtle bitterness.
A Touch of Warmth: The finish, though slightly short, lingers with a touch of oak spice kick, hints of lemon and citrus zest, and a mild, fading burn. Adding a drop of water can enhance the caramel notes for an even more enjoyable experience.
A Timeless Classic: Glenfarclas 12 delivers a traditional whisky experience that is not overly sweet or complex. It boasts a light body and a slightly warming finish, remaining true to its whisky character. While not necessarily thrilling, it presents as a well-made and enjoyable dram, earning its place as above average in quality.
Glenfarclas 12: A Noteworthy Achievement
- Aged for 12 years in Oloroso Sherry casks.
- Awarded the title of “Best Sherried Whisky” in the Single Malt World Cup in 2006.
- Free of artificial coloring.
Whether you’re a sherry cask enthusiast or seeking a classic, easy-drinking whisky, Glenfarclas 12 offers a timeless and enjoyable experience.
Macallan 12 Double Cask: A Well-Balanced Sherry Journey
- Nose: Sherry, dried fruit, mixed nuts
- Palate: Baking spice, oak, chocolate
- Finish: Oak, dried fruit, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Mortlach 12
Aromas of Delight: The Macallan 12 Double Cask welcomes you with a pleasantly sweet and inviting nose, featuring prominent notes of sherry, oak, and dried fruit.
Intriguing Palate: While the initial taste offers a noticeable oak influence, it unfolds into an interesting blend of sweet sherry notes, hints of dark chocolate, and a touch of orange zest, all accompanied by a warming sensation.
Long-Lasting Finish: The experience lingers with a long-lasting finish featuring oak flavors, enriched with the taste of dried fruit and a touch of oak spice.
A Well-Rounded Introduction: The Double Cask delivers a well-balanced and enjoyable drinking experience, showcasing the distinctive characteristics of both sherry and oak casks.
For the Scotch Explorer: This expression provides a rich flavor profile with subtle sweetness, hints of chocolate and spice, and a warming finish. Notably, the presence of oak can be more prominent, making it a good starting point for exploring sherry-matured Scotch before venturing into more intense expressions.
Taming the Oak: While some might find the oak flavor a little overpowering, adding a touch of water can help mellow the oak and reduce the heat, resulting in a smoother and more approachable dram.
Double Cask Facts:
- Aged for 12 years in a combination of American and European oak casks seasoned with sherry wine from Spain.
- Awarded a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2017.
- Free of artificial coloring.
Whether you’re a seasoned Scotch enthusiast or an eager explorer venturing into the world of sherry cask maturation, the Macallan 12 Double Cask offers a well-rounded and enjoyable journey.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Macallan 12 Double Cask | $80 |
| Glenfarclas 12 | $60 |